Pulmonary actinomycosis

Definition

Pulmonary actinomycosis is a rare bacterial lung infection.

Alternative Names

Actinomycosis - pulmonary

Causes

Pulmonary actinomycosis is caused by certain bacteria normally found in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, where they do not usually cause harm. Poor dental hygiene and dental abscess can increase your risk of face, jaw, and lung infections caused by these bacteria.

Alcohol abuse, having scars on the lungs (bronchiectasis), and emphysema are all associated with lung infections caused by actinomycosis.

The disease is rare in the U.S. It may occur at any age, but most patients are 30 to 60 years old. Men get this infection more often than women.

Symptoms

The infection usually comes on slowly. It may be weeks or months before a doctor makes a diagnosis.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection. Many patients take a long time to get better. To be cured, you may need to receive the antibiotic penicillin through a vein (intravenously) for 4 to 6 weeks. Then you need to take penicillin by mouth. Some people need up to 18 months of treatment.

If you cannot take penicillin, your doctor will prescribe other antibiotics.

Surgery may be needed to drain fluid from the lungs and control the infection.